Spy cameras can be an easy way to help you feel more secure in your home.
While they might not be to everyone’s taste or could be observed as invasive, they’re a great way to ensure there’s nothing untoward going on around your house while you are out.
Simultaneously they can be a convenient way to add more security to an office environment, or even a way to check up on your kids or pets while you cannot be in the room with them.
If you want added security for your home or business but want it to go unnoticed, a USB spy camera can be a great option.
There are lots of different security cameras available which are disguised in different ways. USB spy cameras are now most commonly disguised as USB charging ports because these are such a common household item.
But with so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to know which is the best for you. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide to make sure you buy the USB spy camera which is best for you.
In a hurry?
| Rank | Name | Key Features | Ratings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | No products found. | • RELAX. STOP WORRYING. THIS SMART LITTLE EYE KEEPS YOU UPDATED • WEMLB [WE MAKE LIFE BETTER] • 100% CONCEALED & EASY-TO-USE DESIGN • LIVE REMOTE VIEW, CONTROL & ALERTS FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND • TWO-YEARS HASSLE-FREE WARRANTY | 4.4 | $$ |
| #2 | No products found. | • USB Charger Hidden Camera • Easy to Use • Motion Detection • Loop Recording & Auto Save • Professional tech support and Lifetime guarantee | 4.6 | $$ |
| #3 | No products found. | • 4K Live viewing in Real Time • Motion Detection & Push Notification • 160 Wide Angle & Night Vision • Pocket Size & Invisibility • Compatible & Customer Service | 4.1 | $$ |
| #4 | No products found. | • EASY TO USE • PROTECT PERSONAL PROPERTY AND BUSINESSES • KNOW MORE • UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY • MOTION DETECTION | 4.1 | $$ |
| #5 |  | • Wifi Spy Camera Wireless Hidden Charger with Remote View on LUOH • Easy to use and set up & Discreet security camera • H.264 Format & Large Store 128GB TF Card • Motion Detection & Protect Family / Personal Property • Risk-free Purchase & 24/7 After-service | 3.9 | $$ |
If you need a USB spy camera quickly, you should buy the WEMLB Spy Camera USB Phone charger.
This great spy cam is packed full of wonderful features which we believe make it the best on the market, including:
- It’s not just disguised as a USB charging adaptor, the USB port is fully functional so you can use the device to charge while it records.
- WEMLB has its own app which you can download on your phone and access the video recordings from anywhere.
- You can choose between motion detection and loop recording depending on your preference, the device can do both.
- While you are out, the motion detection technology will send you push notifications and emails to notify you of any untoward movement picked up by the camera.
WEMLB Spy Camera USB Phone Charger
No products found.
Our favorite USB spy camera on the market is the WEMLB spy camera USB phone charger.
This wonderful device is packed full of a variety of different features making it extremely easy and convenient to use, providing everything you need from a spy camera.
If you can’t decide whether you want a camera that has motion detection or uses loop recording, don’t stress, this device easily does both.
You can choose whichever works best for your situation and adjust accordingly over time. When in motion detection mode you will receive an email directly to your connected email to notify you of this behavior.
Our favorite thing about this device is the fact that it comes with a connected app that you can download on your smartphone.
This app connects directly with your USB spy camera and allows you to access the video stream on your smartphone allowing you to monitor what’s going on at home while you are on the go.
Similarly to the email notifications, this app will also provide push notifications whenever the motion detection is set off.
If that wasn’t enough, the app also allows you to store all the videos recorded from the device so that you can not only access current video but historic videos too.
With all this in mind, it’s clear that this is the best on the market.
- Motion detection technology
- Loop recording
- Stream video on any device
- Easy to set-up and use
- Store recordings on the mobile app
- Live alerts via email and the app
- No notable drawbacks
DOLAMO Mini Camera Charger
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We also loved the DOLAMO Mini Camera Charger USB spy camera.
The running for number one was extremely close between these devices, but the mobile app provided WEMLB with the edge. Nevertheless, the DOLAMO mini camera is still an amazing device.
Similarly to the WEMLB camera, it has both motion detection and loop recording capabilities allowing you to choose whichever works the best for your situation.
This loop recording means that you will never run out of storage space as the device will simply overwrite old recordings when it runs out of space and continue looping.
The DOLAMO device has a 140-degree wide-angle lens and records in full 1080P HD allowing you to easily see what’s going on through the camera. But our favorite thing about this device is how easy it is to use.
It can be set up in three simple steps: insert the SD card, select recording mode, and plug in, then the device will do its job.
This device can also work as an actual USB charging port while it is plugged in meaning the electricity socket isn’t going to waste, and making it one of the best available.
- Works as a USB charging adaptor
- Full 1080P HD video
- 140-degree wide-angle lens
- Simple to set-up
- Choose between motion detection and loop recording
- Will overwrite old files when storage is full
- No notable drawbacks
McStree 4K Wireless Hidden Camera
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You should also consider the McStree 4K Wireless Hidden Camera. This spy camera is an excellent choice if your main focus is video quality as it films in 4K resolution for an extremely clear image. This footage can then be easily accessed on the go through your mobile phone.
The camera films in 4K with F/2.0 aperture and on a 160-degree wide lens allowing you to see lots of space through the small camera.
It also has infrared lights to allow you to see what’s going on even once the lights are off. The device features motion detection which conserves energy as the camera remains in standby mode until motion is picked up.
When this happens the camera activates, records, and will also send a push notification to your phone to notify you of this occurrence. With all these wonderful features and an SD input supporting up to 128GB storage, there’s no doubt that this is one of the best on the market.
- 4K resolution
- Access footage on your mobile
- Motion detection feature
- 160-degree wide-angle lens
- Supports SD cards up to 128GB
- Features a light which could be distracting
Alpha Tech Spy Camera Charger
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Another excellent option is the Alpha Tech Spy Camera Charger. This device is a quick and easy way to add extra security to your home with very little effort.
The Alpha Tech spy cam is easily set up in just a few steps to provide you with a 1080P full HD camera with a 120-degree wide-lens view.
The Alpha Tech spy camera charger is also undetectable to any scanners so your camera will always go unnoticed. It supports up to 128GB SD cards and can record for up to 5 days without needing to be charged.
As well as SD access you can also access the camera footage for this device on your phone allowing you to monitor what’s going on while you’re away in real-time. With all these wonderful features there is no question that this is one of the best devices on the market.
- 1080P full HD camera
- Undetectable to scanner
- Supports SD cards up to 128GB
- Access video on any device
- Motion detection feature
- Battery is unreliable
LUOHE Wireless Spy Camera
Finally, you shouldn’t forget the LUOHE Wireless Spy Camera.
This is the most basic of the devices on this list but it’s still a great discreet spy camera for you to use. It comes with dual USB slots and connects remotely to WI-FI.
This camera features 1080P full HD video giving you the ability to easily see anything untoward going on. The device is compatible with SD cards up to 128GB and has the ability to hold video footage for up to 15 days.
With motion detection capability and automatic rewrite function, it is clear that this is one of the best USB spy cameras on the market.
- Holds videos for 15 days
- Auto records and overwrites
- Motion detection feature
- Detailed instructions
- 1080P HD video
- You can only access the video when connected to the same WI-FI
Best USB Spy Camera: A Buyer’s Guide
Whether you want a way to monitor your children while you’re out of the room or added security for your home, a USB spy camera can be a great way to achieve this.
But with so many different models available it’s difficult to know which is the best for you.
That’s why we’ve put together this buyer’s guide packed full of the information you need to know to support you in your search for a USB spy camera.
Recording Time
One very important factor you should consider is recording time.
The amount of time that the camera will record is directly impacted by the battery size of the device. The battery capacity of a USB spy camera will be significantly lower than what you would expect from a regular video camera.
Some spy cameras will come with the ability to stay continually connected to the power due to their USB design. As well as the battery you should also consider the storage size.
The micro SD card that you insert into the device will impact the device’s memory and the amount of time it can record for so you should buy the device that suits your needs best.
Night Vision
Another feature you should consider is night vision. It is easy for your camera to record during the day or when the lights are on, it’s more difficult for it to record during the night time.
A night vision feature will use infrared lights to illuminate the camera’s field of vision and allow it to detect any targets within this field.
Infrared isn’t visible to the naked eye so it will not give away the camera’s location but it will allow you to see what’s going on during the night time. If you want to be able to see better during the darker hours you should invest in a spy camera that has multiple infrared lights.
Motion Detection Vs Loop Recording
There are two main features you will see advertised on USB spy cameras which you may not immediately understand, these are motion detection and loop recording. All spy cameras will feature at least one of these features, many will have both.
Motion Detection is great for energy conservation as it allows the device to sit idle until a movement is detected. Only when a movement is detected will the camera switch on and start recording.
Whereas loop recording is a great feature if you want everything recorded. Most cameras will record in 5-minute clips which you can then access to watch back and will overwrite old footage once the SD card is full.
You should weigh up your options and buy the one that suits you best.
Video Resolution
Finally, you should consider the video resolution that is recorded.
The resolution of the video is the amount of pixels that are displayed and recorded by the camera. The majority of spy cameras will come with full HD resolution allowing you to access a clear picture of the area being recorded.
A lot of newer cameras are starting to feature 4K resolution which is even better than HD. When you buy a USB spy camera you might be deceived into thinking the picture quality is poor because of the size of the camera but this isn’t the case.
These little devices can film in excellent quality so you should look for the one that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hidden cameras need WI-FI?
Yes, most hidden cameras will require a WI-FI connection.
They will record to a USB without a WI-FI connection, however, you will need to be connected to the internet to be able to access the videos recorded on the device in real-time.
Where should I place my hidden camera?
Depending on the room that you want to hide the camera, different hiding spots will be more appropriate.
USB spy cameras are often disguised as USB charging points so you will need to hide the device within an electricity socket.
How can you tell if there is a hidden camera in the room?
If you are paranoid about there being a hidden camera in a room you are in, there are some things to watch out for.
You should scan your surroundings then turn off the light and watch for a blinking light in any area of the room, this would be a tell of a hidden camera.